New England Design... Redefined
10 Questions to Ask Your Architect
When it comes to remodeling a home or building from the
ground up, there are many things that can go wrong, which is why
you should never take on a project without feeling 100 percent
confident you’ve hired the right architect for the job. The best way
to ensure that you are hiring a trustful professional is to ask a series
of questions that will reveal whether the architect will be able to
work with you to meet your needs.
Here are 10 important questions to ask when interviewing an
architect for a potential project. Asking these questions will ensure
you find a professional that will meet and exceed your expectations.
1. Do you have experience in projects similar to mine?
The architect should be able to supply you with examples of projects that were of similar size, scope and building type.
Have them expound on what approaches he or she took in order to overcome specific challenges and achieve the best
results possible. This is a great time to gauge the architect’s level of interest in working with you, as this may affect how
high of a priority the architect makes your project.
2. Can you provide specific examples of projects similar to mine, as well as a list of client references?
Your architect should be able to provide at least three projects and corresponding client references complete with
names, telephone numbers and addresses. Take the opportunity to ask the architect how long the projects took
and see if the architect would be willing to let you see a finished job. In addition to client references, it’s also good
to inquire about professional references, such as suppliers, subcontractors or financial institutions to affirm sound
business practices.
3. What do you foresee being the biggest challenges of this project?
Ask your architect to assess your home and the potential project, explaining what’s currently working and what’s not.
Have the architect paint a picture of the vision he or she has for the project and what strategies, techniques and design
solutions would be used to achieve optimum functionality and beauty. If it’s a historic renovation or preservation, for
example, the architect should discuss how to glorify the character and architecture of the original structure, while
infusing modern technologies, luxuries and amenities.
4. Can you walk me through the different steps of your design process?
Here at TMS Architects, we divide the design process into five phases: Schematic design, design development,
construction documents, bidding and negotiation and construction administration. These steps help organize the
process from conceptualization and materials to pricing, contracting and building. Now is also a great time to inquire
TMS ARCHITECTS- ONE CATE STREET- PORTSMOUTH, NH 03801- 603-436-4274- [email protected]
about project management tools and services, as well as how the architect intends to keep you – the client – in the
know each step of the way.
5. How will you gather information about my goals, ideas and needs for this project?
This is when you and the architect should discuss how you will go about working together and making design
decisions. Ask the architect what you’ll be expected to provide and how you should convey and present your needs,
inspirations, design preferences and personal style. You and your architect may want to set up design consultations
and use online design databases, such as Pinterest and Houzz.
6. What is your experience with green or sustainable architecture and design?
Ask the architect what sustainable features, eco-friendly materials and sustainable design/build practices he or she has
experience with and how they have been incorporated into past projects. Allow the architect to expand on benefits he
or she has been able to help clients achieve, such as efficiency, reduced water consumption, reduced energy costs and a
minimized environmental footprint.
7. How will the construction process affect our daily lives?
This question is most relevant with renovation projects. Here is
where you can ask your architect how the project will affect the
household and the level to which it might disrupt your everyday
routines. Your architect should have strategies for creating
convenience and comfort for you and your household throughout
the design and build process.
8. How long do you expect my project will take to complete?
Your architect should be able to outline a tentative timetable for the different steps and phases of the design and
build process. Here’s another chance for your architect to prove his or her professionalism and organization, as they
should be able to identify where possible hang ups and delays could arise and how to best avoid them in order to stay
on track. You can ask, for example, how your architect anticipates and handles worst-case-scenarios and changes in
orders.
9. What do you expect the total project cost to be?
This is when you can ask the architect to begin explicating a formal project proposal with a breakdown of costs and
fees. The architect should make it perfectly clear at this time how clients are charged and how fees are structured.
Make sure you understand what services will result in additional fees, what happens if the scope of the project
changes and how you’ll be notified about changes in costs. Finally, be sure to discuss with your architect how he or she
helps clients stay within budget. Don’t be afraid to ask the architect for a track record in terms of completing projects
within the original allotted budget.
10. Will I work directly with you, or will other team members and/or subcontractors be my primary points of
contact?
There’s a good chance that the person you’re interviewing may not be the person you end up working with on a
daily basis. This question will let you know exactly who you’ll be working with throughout the project. Be sure you
understand who will be designing the project and whether you’ll be dealing with this person on a regular basis.
Your architect should be able to tell you how the work is divided among team members by naming each designer,
builder and subcontractor. Try to get a feel for how long these professionals have worked together and how well they
communicate and navigate challenges as a team.
TMS ARCHITECTS- ONE CATE STREET- PORTSMOUTH, NH 03801- 603-436-4274- [email protected]
As you can see, these 10 questions will shed a significant amount of light on an architect’s experience, expertise,
professionalism, creativity and work ethic that will help you feel more confident in your decision to hire his or
her architecture firm. Of course, you should not limit yourself to these questions. After going through an initial
questionnaire, be sure to ask as many questions as possible that are specific to your project, needs and home design
style. It’s recommended to conduct at least four in-depth interviews with different architects to find the most qualified
and appropriate professional for the job.
To learn more about TMS Architects and our architecture, design and historic preservation work in
New England, browse our portfolio, and then contact us online or by calling 603-436-4274.
TMS ARCHITECTS- ONE CATE STREET- PORTSMOUTH, NH 03801- 603-436-4274- [email protected]